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I've been in discussion with Matt Taggert, one of Ozone's principle designers, and he has given me permission to replicate one of Ozone's current kites (the Ozone Manta 3, 12 metre) to use as the basis of a raffle to support NABX (North American Buggy eXpo).

NABX is a not for profit organisation that runs one of the biggest power kiting events in the USA. Each year kite buggiers from all over the world gather at Ivanpah dry lake in Nevada for 5 days of racing, endurance and freestyle buggying. Last year the kite buggy world speed record of 81 mph (correct me if I'm wrong) was set at NABX.

As it's an American event I've decided to use the Star & Stripes as the basis of the design. It won't be as complex as my usual kites, so even though it's a big kite, I should have it finished in plenty of time for NABX; as usual the design is being sewn in, rather than printed. I'll be constructing the foil and Ozone are supplying a brand new bridle & speed system.

So, the kite will be a one off Manta 3, 12 metre, (a de-power snowkite for those who don't know), based on the American flag. Tickets for the raffle will be available for the first four days of NABX with the raffle being drawn on the final day.

Here are a few photos of the early stages of the build: these show the lower skin of the kite (the flyer's view), ready to be sewn together to form the wing.

You can find info about NABX here: About the NABX and info about the Ozone Manta 3 here:

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In my humble opinion the Manta 3 is very nearly the best de-power foil that's ever been made; the best one was also an Ozone design! The 12 metre is an absolute peach of a kite - if you want to get into the air and have wing that'll glide you down gently, this is it. I've also heard a rumour (not from Ozone, somewhere else) that 2011 is the last year for the Manta - so get one while you can!

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